As an introduction to the first quarter-final leg between Tatran Presov and Motor Zaporozhye we are bringing you a 7M interview with Portuguese right winger playing for Tatran Presov – Nuno Santos. We talked to him about the differences between Presov and the city he was born in – Portuguese capital Lisbon, his goals, big wish to represent Portuguese national team as well as about his quite unusual hobby.

How come you decided for handball? Share with us your background, when and where did you start?

At one point in the past, I’d say about ten years ago, I simply had to choose whether I want to become a professional, dedicate everything to the game of handball or not. I felt like I was quite good, that I had the necessary quality to become a professional, play in the big leagues which is why I decided to go for it.

What do you think about the progress Portuguese handball is making in the last few years?

I’m really happy about it obviously, handball is definitely on the rise in Portugal at the moment and it feels really good. I believe the club of Porto is what is dragging the entire Portuguese handball forward. They have a really good team, one of the best in Europe, if you ask me, and their players are also the backbone of our national team.

How do you like Presov? What are the main differences between life in Portugal and in Slovakia?

It is obviously quite different. Presov is a small town, a lot of things are different here than in Lisbon where I’m from. I like Presov though, I know what I came here for and that is to work hard and improve. I’m 100% dedicated to the game. Of course, when we get more than a few days off I often travel to Portugal to spend time with my family and friends. Obviously, I miss them here but that’s something we have to learn how to deal with as professionals.

In quarter-finals Tatran will face Motor. What are your thoughts about that and how do you see your chances in those two matches?

We have a chance. Our coach often says we’re playing six versus six and everything is possible. We’ve showed in the pre-season that we’re capable of doing a lot when we’re playing the right way. We are dealing with some injuries at the moment but once you hear that first whistle everything becomes less important. I am always playing to win and one of my first goals this season is to go to Zadar.

What are your career goals, what would you like to achieve as a player?

My ultimate goal is to become a Portuguese national team player. That is one of the biggest reasons why I decided to come here – to grow as a handballer, become better. Another goal is to play in the Champions League. We’ll see what the future holds.

You have a cool hobby (parkour). Tell us something about that (how and when did you get into it etc.).

It’s an individual sport. You don’t have a coach which means you have to be disciplined and well-organized. Parkour is, for me, freedom. Unlike handball in which everything is about rules, agreements, following the coach and his ideas – parkour is freedom and I feel like that gives my life a good balance. I like handball and everything about it but I also want to live life, travel, do other things and I feel like parkour gives me that.